Starting a business in Qatar as a foreigner
A foreign founder can own a business in Qatar. The Qatar Free Zones and the QFC allow full foreign ownership; on the mainland, Law No. 1 of 2019 allows up to 100% with Ministry approval above 49%, outside a few closed sectors. You will also need attested documents, a representative in Qatar until you hold a Qatari ID, and a residence permit.
Business setup in Qatar for foreigners at a glance
- On the mainland, by application above 49%, outside closed sectors
- Up to 100%
- For the Ministry’s decision on a complete ownership file
- 15 days
- Investor residence without a sponsor, renewable
- 5 years
- Income tax on the foreign share of profit
- 10%
From Law No. 1 of 2019, Law No. 21 of 2015 and the General Tax Authority; see the sources at the end of the page.
Company formation for foreigners, route by route
There are three routes, and the ownership a foreigner may hold differs on each.
Mainland- Foreign ownership
- Up to 100%, with an application above 49%
- Closed
- Banks, insurance, commercial agencies
Qatar Free Zones and QSTP- Foreign ownership
- 100%
- Suits
- Logistics, industry, technology
Qatar Financial Centre- Foreign ownership
- Up to 100%
- Suits
- Financial and professional services
Setting up while you are abroad
The Single Window needs an applicant with a Tawtheeq account and a valid Qatari ID. Until you have one, a representative in Qatar can act for you under a special power of attorney from the Ministry of Justice.
Every document issued abroad needs the full attestation chain, ending with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An apostille will not do, because Qatar is not a party to the Apostille Convention.
What to prepare abroad
- Passport
- A copy for each foreign partner
- Company partner
- Its registration, notarised, translated into Arabic and attested
- Power of attorney
- For the person acting for you in Qatar
- Above 49%
- The ownership application, business plan and CVs
Take a founder planning one trading activity on the mainland. Government fees for the full setup come to about QAR 1,700 to 2,200, and a second activity would add QAR 300 to the CR. Our cost guide breaks down each fee.
Residence and visas
Investor residence
Five years without a sponsor, renewable, under Law No. 21 of 2015.
After arrival
Residence procedures are completed within 30 days.
Entrepreneur Residency
For startup founders an approved Qatar incubator endorses.
Your staff
Work visas and residence permits once the establishment card is issued.
Bank account and tax
Each bank decides
Banks set their own rules for owners abroad and must identify every real owner.
In person
Expect identity checks on each owner and signatory, possibly at a branch.
10% corporate income tax
On the foreign share of profit; the Qatari and GCC share is exempt.
Tax card
Within 60 days of registration, then a return every year.
What we help with
Route
Mainland, free zone or QFC, for your activity and nationality.
Ownership file
The application above 49% foreign ownership.
Attestation
The order of stamps abroad and in Doha.
Arabic documents
Translation and the Arabic memorandum.
Residence
The investor residence and family visa files.
Bank file
Papers and ownership details the bank will ask for.
Related pages
Common questions about starting a business in Qatar as a foreigner
Can a foreigner open a company in Qatar?
Yes. Law No. 1 of 2019 allows non-Qatari investors up to 100% of a company’s capital, with approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry above 49%, outside closed sectors such as banking, insurance and commercial agencies. The Qatar Free Zones and the QFC also allow full foreign ownership. One Ministry page still shows 51%, so check with a lawyer.
Source: Law No. 1 of 2019 on investment of non-Qatari capital (Al Meezan)
Can I start a business in Qatar as an Indian or Pakistani national?
You can, and the terms are those of any other foreign investor. Ownership limits, routes and documents do not change by nationality. Only the attestation path differs: your papers go to your own foreign ministry and the Qatari embassy in your country before Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Other certificates attestation
Do I need to be in Qatar to set up a company?
Not for every step. The Single Window needs an applicant with a Tawtheeq account and a Qatari ID, so a representative in Qatar can act for you under a Ministry of Justice special power of attorney. Banks usually want to identify each owner and signatory, which may mean a visit.
Source: Ministry of Justice, Special power of attorney for government transactions
Can a foreign entrepreneur get residence in Qatar?
Yes. Law No. 21 of 2015 provides an investor residence of five years without a sponsor, renewable. Startup founders endorsed by an approved incubator can also apply for the Entrepreneur Residency. Residence procedures are completed within 30 days of arrival.
Source: Law No. 21 of 2015 on the entry, exit and residence of expatriates (Al Meezan)
Do foreign-owned companies pay corporate tax in Qatar?
Yes. A company pays 10% income tax on the foreign share of its profit, and the Qatari and GCC share is exempt. It registers for a tax card within 60 days of registration and then files a return every year.
Did not find your question? Ask an adviser. We reply with what applies to your case.
Sources
Official sources for the facts on this page, last checked 19 Oct 2026.
- Law No. 1 of 2019 on investment of non-Qatari capital (Al Meezan)
- MOCI Decision No. 44 of 2020, Executive Regulations of Law No. 1 of 2019 (Al Meezan)
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Investment steps for foreign investors
- Invest Qatar, Setting up your business in Qatar (guide hosted by MOCI)
- Single Window, Start your business (establishment service)
- Ministry of Justice, Special power of attorney for government transactions
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Other certificates attestation
- Hague Conference, Apostille Convention status table
- Law No. 21 of 2015 on the entry, exit and residence of expatriates (Al Meezan)
- Ministry of Interior, Department services (visas, residence permits, establishment and PRO cards)
- Startup Qatar, Entrepreneur Residency
- Law No. 20 of 2019 on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (Al Meezan)
- General Tax Authority, Investors guide
- Law No. 34 of 2005 on Free Zones, as amended (Qatar Free Zones Authority)
- Qatar Financial Centre
Tell us your activity, your nationality and whether you are in Qatar now.
We reply with the route that fits and what to prepare first.